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ABORIGINAL COMMUNITY OUTREACH PROGRAMS Objectives To provide outreach programs for rural and urban communities and schools. Remote Aboriginal communities in Kakadu and Central Australia have received tours specifically designed to be relevant to their interests, knowledge and needs. The programs consist of performances, demonstrations and interactive exhibits. Hands-on exhibits enthuse students, parents and teachers about educational and employment opportunities. The Investigator works closely with the Department of Education, Employment, Training and Youth Affairs (DEETYA) to promote industry traineeships. The INVESTIGATOR consults and involves Aboriginal people in the development of activities to keep the curriculum relevant and appropriate to their needs. The perspectives on science of Indigenous and Western traditions are incorporated into exhibition content. By exploring science from different cultural positions our visitors experience a broader understanding of knowledge. Programs are constantly evolving in response to what is learnt from students, teachers and communities. Past themes of the program include: LIGHT AND SEEING A collection of hands-on activities that related to the sun, magnification, reflections, colour and how we see. SOUND AND HEARING Exhibits and activities include how we hear, the relationship of hearing and health, how musical instruments make sounds and why the hearing of animals is different to that of humans. TECHNOLOGY Technologies recently introduced in country areas are explored through exhibits and marvellous toys - for example solar power, optical fibres, satellite dishes and multimedia. HEALTHY LIFESTYLES A group of exhibits about diet, healthy bodies, science of sport and the importance of exercise. Interactive multimedia exhibits, sound shows, laser and energy demonstrations The express exhibition themes. Computer based systems have introduced students to animation programs. Students and community members were enthusiastic about our multimedia music system. We used a combination of synthesisers, computers and sound software. This sound system, the Soundhouse, offers the possibility of learning to read, write and play music and raise possibilities for inclusion in the literacy component of curricula. Play and learning merge through these systems, stimulate curriculum development and offer career prospects in remote communities where pathways to the multimedia future are emerging rapidly. The Internet, television broadcasting stations, video production units and radio stations are now commonplace in the most remote communities. The interactive multimedia exhibit was usually set up outside on tables to make it accessible for communities. The Sound show reinforced and investigated principles explored in the exhibits using a range of sound making "instruments" including the didgeridoo, the oldest wind instrument in the world. The Laser and Energy demonstration explored the principles and applications of lasers and electricity to current technologies. The Outreach program 1995 -1998 visited the following communities and schools in Central Australia : In South Australia:- Kenmore Park, Indulkana, Mimili, Fregon, Muti Tjulu, Nyangatjatjara senior college, Yulara primary, Amata, Murputja Education Centre, Piipalyatjara, Watarru and Pukatja. South Australia:- Marree, Point Pearce, Kuarna School, Raukkan, Oodnadatta, Yalata, Kooniba and Leigh Creek NSW:- the Broken Hill area. |
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